The venue
Nestled in the heart of the city, ‘La Cartuja’ High-Performance Center is a facility equipped with all the necessary infrastructure for top-level rowing. The canal of the Guadalquivir River is a natural course over 6 km long with calm waters, forming a central part of the city's life.
HISTORY OF THE VENUE
First years
As part of the Universal Exhibition 1992 projects, this center was planned for Rowing and Canoeing to provide access to the canal that was maintained as a Regatta Course. In February 1987, Mr. Thomas Keller, then President of the International Rowing Federation (FISA), visited our city to learn about the project and tour the future regatta course, which he visited again in 1989 to inspect the construction of the Center. The start dates of its activities are considered to be June 30th and July 1st, 1990, when the Spanish Rowing Championship for Juniors and Seniors was held, marking the first official competition of the Center and the La Cartuja Regatta Course.
Major Events
The FISA Masters Regatta in September 1999 was the first world-class event held at CEAR. With almost 3,000 participants over four days, it was a significant test of the facilities and the organizational capacity of its staff. On February 28th, 2000, the Athletes' Residence was inaugurated, which also houses the Central Services of the Andalusian Sports Medicine Center. In 2001, both Rowing and Canoeing World Cups were held as test events for the World Championships the following year. The year 2002 marked the culmination of all efforts and a long organizational process, undertaking a challenging feat only done once before: organizing both the World Canoeing Championships from August 29th to September 1st and the Rowing World Championships from September 15th to 22nd in the same year at the same facilities. In 2013, the European Rowing Championship was held.
Consolidation Phase
From 2003 onwards, CEAR La Cartuja entered a phase of maturity and stability. Its activities continued with events, team training, and promotional campaigns: Nautical Baptism, Courses, Flat Rate, and the start of Summer Camps with great participation success. Over these years and until today, the regular organization of local, regional, national, and international events in rowing, canoeing, triathlon, and swimming has been maintained.
THE FACILITIES
Facilities are classified as a Specialized High-Performance Center for Rowing and Canoeing by the High Sports Councilof Spain.
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Main Building equipped with a four floor Finish Tower for competitions, rooms for Judges and timing systems, Bar-Cafeteria, Press Room, Storage, Services, Grandstands (216 pax), and a trophy presentation platform (600 m²).
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Staff Room includes lobby, services, locker room, and kitchen (100 m²).
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Boathoouse area: Located in the southern meadow with a pontoon for river access.
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Men's and Women's Locker Rooms: With 25 and 18 showers respectively (460 m²).
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18 Motorboats: For team monitoring by coaches.
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10 Hangars for boats: 6 for rowing and 4 for canoeing (1512 m²).
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4 Permanent Embarkation and Disembarkation Pontoons.
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Repair Workshop and Storage Area (320 m²).
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Covered Multi-Sport Track (40 x 22).
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Uncovered Multi-Sport Track (30 x 15)
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Uncovered Paddle Court (20 x 10).
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Two new gyms equipped with the latest generation machinery (454 m²).
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Gym for the Spanish national rowing and canoeing teams (300 m²).
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Permanent swimming lane: 100 meters long and 10 meters wide.
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Room with rowing ergometers and stationary bikes.
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Competition boats for rowing and canoeing available for rent by teams.
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Promotional rowing and canoeing boats.
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7 km water canal length.
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Albano System course with 6 lanes for rowing and 9 lanes for canoeing set up for major events.
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Two buoyed lanes: 2000 meters long and 13.50 meters wide each (from October to July).
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Two meadows: For trailer parking and areas for the public and teams.
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Coaches viewing bike lane.
